The Biblical book of Psalms is a collection of poetry, prose, and prayers. Many of the Psalms were written by David, the greatest of Israel’s kings. Several others are attributed to Asaph, a Levite who was appointed as chief minister of worship and song by King David. Still others are attributed to Solomon, David’s son and successor, or to the sons of Korah, Levites who were gatekeepers, songwriters and singers in the Temple. For several of the Psalms, the authors are unknown.
Many of the Psalms are very personal. They express sorrow and loneliness, anger and remorse, or a sense of being overwhelmed by frightening circumstances and hurtful people. Others express joy, recount blessings, or ponder the quiet awe experienced in the face of the beauty of majestic mountains or countless stars in the heavens.
One thing the Psalms have in common is an understanding that God is with us, and that God is for us, regardless of our circumstances.
The God of the Bible does not promise that this life will be easy. In fact, He warns us that we will encounter hardship and adversity (Gen. 3:17-19; John 16:33; Gal. 1:3-5). But no matter how difficult life becomes, He promises to be near to those who love Him (Gen. 28:15; Matt. 28:20b; Rom. 5:1-5; Rom. 8:35-39).
That is why the Psalmists could say things like, “though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear (Ps. 27:3)” and “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for Thou art with me (Ps. 23:4).” It’s also why the Apostle Paul wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God (Phil. 4:4-6).”
We do not rejoice over difficult or dire circumstances, but we rejoice because the Lord is near in the midst of those circumstances. Because He is near, we can let go of our anxiety and lift up our hearts to the Lord in prayer with thankful hearts.
Thankful for our circumstances? Sometimes, yes. Sometimes not so much. But we can always be thankful that we are not alone. God is with us.
On the night Jesus was betrayed, He spoke these words to His disciples:
“These things I have spoken to you while abiding with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” (John 14:25-27)
Jesus didn’t promise the kind of peace the world gives: freedom from trouble; a peace that depends on circumstances; at best, only a temporary peace. Jesus promised peace that calms the heart even in the midst of stressful, troubling, adverse circumstances.
Paul reminds us that when we choose to rejoice in the nearness of the Lord, handing over our anxiety and concerns to Him with thankful hearts, “the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:7).” This is one of my favorite promises! His peace will keep watch over and protect my heart!
For many, this year has been, to put it mildly, difficult. All of us have been touched by the COVID-19 pandemic in one way or another. Some have lost loved ones, some have lost jobs. Some have spent time in quarantine, many have spent time video conferencing. Masked faces and social distancing help to keep us safe, but tend to separate us from the smiles and personal interactions that aid in insulating us from loneliness and depression.
In these days of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to remember that the Lord is near and to lift up our concerns to Him. But it is also important to remember to give thanks. Somehow, when we choose to be thankful, whatever our circumstances, our hearts become more open to receiving the peace and joy of the Lord.
So, if you are having trouble finding a reason to be thankful in this difficult time, read the words of others who have gone before us and found comfort and joy in the Lord – read the Psalms.
Pastor Cindy
You used one of my favorite verses in this reading regarding God’s amazing peace – Philippians 4:7. I love the TLB version of this verse, which says “God’s peace…is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest.” God’s peace has gotten me through some of the hardest times in my life.
Love this…. “So, if you are having trouble finding a reason to be thankful in this difficult time, read the words of others who have gone before us and found comfort and joy in the Lord – read the Psalms.”